Media FAQ

Aren’t crashes/collisions just ‘accidents’?

No. The violence and resulting injury and deaths from traffic crimes are not random acts; they are the result of dangerous street designs and/or dangerous traffic behaviors.

Isn’t the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities for people walking in San Francisco normal/typical?

No. in San Francisco, three people per day are hit by cars while walking, making it the most dangerous city in the state for walking. Over 50% of the people killed in traffic crashes in the city are pedestrians (even though only 20% of the trips taken in the city are by foot); the national average for pedestrians killed in traffic violence is only 14%.

What is the average number of people walking seriously injured or killed in San Francisco annually?

Nearly 100 people are seriously injured, and approximately 20 people are killed annually in traffic violence.

Isn’t everyone responsible and equally to blame in a collision?

No. Viewing crashes as a matter of individual accountability ignores the inequity on city streets between people who are driving, bicycling or walking, in particular for children, seniors, and people with disabilities who are most vulnerable. Regardless of who may be most at blame in a crash, mistakes should not have fatal consequences — when they can be prevented.

Is distraction the leading cause of traffic crashes?

No. The leading illegal traffic behaviors, which lead to injury or death, are speeding, not stopping at red lights/stop signs, improper turns, and not yielding to pedestrians.

How can the City fix all of its streets to end preventable crashes?

Only 12% of streets account for over 70% of all crashes (motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians). Targeting engineering, enforcement, and education efforts to fix 18 miles of its most dangerous streets a year will ensure the City meets its Vision Zero goal of ending all serious and fatal traffic-related injuries by 2024.

What other cities have adopted a Vision Zero goal to end all preventable crashes?

As of spring 2014, New York City, Seattle, and Portland (OR), have all adopted Vision Zero goals to redesign their streets to calm traffic and protect road users (other cities including Chicago and Los Angeles have adopted similar, though differently-named initiatives). Outside of the U.S., Vision Zero has been adopted by Sweden (where it originated), and individual cities including the U.K.’s Brighton & Hove.

Is there a map of San Francisco’s most dangerous streets?

Yes. To see the most dangerous corridors and intersections, as well as San Francisco’s progress in fixing these streets, visit Vision Zero SF.